SERVING HOPE:  PONG FUNDRAISER

Dear Belgrave Heights Christian School Community,

What an inspiration you are!

You have once again shown incredible kindness, generosity, and willingness to practically support some of the world's most vulnerable and bring them freedom from modern-day slavery.

On Thursday September 14th, hundreds of students, teachers, parents and people from our school community came together to make a significant impact on a global issue – modern day slavery. Our recent Pong fundraiser demonstrated the power of unity and compassion as we raised funds to support organisations working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate young people. Our school community knows that we can and do make a practical, positive generational difference in the lives of others. The simple idea of combining a love for table tennis with our commitment to making the world a better place is having a profound impact.

The Pong fundraiser brought our school community together in an atmosphere of fun, competition, and, most importantly, hope. The event was a resounding success, both in terms of participation and fundraising. The enthusiasm was palpable as students, teachers, and families from kindergarten through to Year 12 showcased their table tennis prowess. Even those who had never picked up a table tennis bat before joined in the spirit of the event. Laughter echoed through the gymnasium, out on the ovals, and in classrooms as various games and activities unfolded.

Through high tea ticket sales, the Year 11 charity social, T-shirt sales, sausage sizzles, family night, silent auctions of hampers, the upper primary girls stall fundraiser and a number of very generous donations, the school raised $42,365.66. All of this money goes to support organisations dedicated to rescuing people from slavery. Our school community can take pride in the fact that we are making a real, tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

It's essential to acknowledge the efforts of our students, teachers, and parents who contributed their time, energy, and resources to make this fundraiser a reality. Our success in combating slavery is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a common purpose.

As a school, we are committed to continuing our support for this cause and others like it. We believe that by educating our students about local and global issues and encouraging empathy, kindness, generosity, and serving others, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow who will work towards a world where love, mercy, and grace are prevalent. Jesus emphasised the importance of empathy, kindness, and generosity toward the poor and needy. Caring for others is an integral part of living out our Christian faith and a reflection of God’s love. 

As a Christian school, we actively engage in acts of charity and servanthood to help others. In November this year, 20 of our Year 12 students and four staff are travelling to Thailand for a mission trip. Our team will be visiting one of the major projects that the Pong supports, ‘The Freedom Story’ in Chiang Rai. The Freedom Story is doing an amazing job preventing and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation through education, human rights, and alleviating poverty. This will be a wonderful experience for our students to experience firsthand this wonderful work that the Pong supports and our generous community has supported through the Pong-a-thon.

Thank you, Belgrave Heights Christian School community, for your amazing support and dedication to making the world a better place.

Sincerely,

Ivan Seskis

(Deputy Principal)